LAYERS FOR INHIBITING METAL DENDRITE GROWTH IN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS, AND ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS MADE THEREWITH

Anode-protective layer for inhibiting growth of dendrites from an anode. In some embodiments, an anode-protective layer of this disclosure includes a coating comprising a polymer system, one or more salts dispersed within the polymer system, and ceramic oxide particles dispersed within the polymer system. In some embodiments, the polymer system includes two or more polymers, with one polymer containing fluorine and at least one other polymer containing nitrogen. In some embodiments, the coating is applied to a porous material, such as a porous separator. In some embodiments, the anode comprises at least one active metal, such as lithium, and the salt(s) comprise the active metal. Electrochemical cells and secondary batteries that include an anode-protective layer are also disclosed.